He said on the program that Islam was “the only religion that acts like the Mafia, that will [f***ing] kill you if you say the wrong thing, draw the wrong picture or write the wrong book."

The petition against Maher states: " Bill Maher's public statements on various religions and cultures are offensive and his dangerous rhetoric has found its way into our campus communities.

"Too many students are marginalised by his remarks and if the University were to bring this individual as a commencement speaker they would not be supporting these historically marginalised communities.

"It is the responsibility of the University of California to protect all students and uphold a standard of civility."

A statement read: "It should be noted that this decision does not constitute an endorsement of any of Mr. Maher’s prior statements: indeed, the administration’s position on Mr. Maher’s opinions and perspectives is irrelevant in this context, since we fully respect and support his right to express them. More broadly, this university has not in the past and will not in the future shy away from hosting speakers who some deem provocative."